Building a Caring Tomorrow

The Caring Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the principles of caring, integrity, and public service.

Caring AwardsAwardees
The Caring Awards promote and honor acts of caring and humanitarian service around the country and internationally. Throughout the year, we receive nominations for individuals and corporations who have made contributions of significant impact to society. We honor adult, young adult and corporate awardees for their commitment to caring.

The Caring Institute has honored over 300 philanthropists, volunteers, altruists and caring ambassadors, and supported thousands of individuals and organizations.

Caring Institute FounderVal J. Halamandaris

Inspired by an encounter with Mother Teresa, Val Halamandaris founded the Caring Institute in 1985. Mother Teresa spoke about the poverty of the spirit in the United States and developed countries and the need to harness the power of caring. Our founder’s response was to search the world for individuals of all ages who help those on the fringes of life, honor them with a Caring Award where their efforts can inspire, and educate others to emulate their actions. President Bill Clinton called Val “a remarkable human being and one of the most exceptional people that I have ever known.” Senator Bob Dole considered him a “good friend” who “was an inspiration to many.” For his lifetime of dedication to the public good, Val was posthumously honored with the Pope Francis Award for Charity and Leadership. The Caring Institute urges everyone to do what they can to serve others. When you decide to make a difference, you inspire others to do the same.